Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects thousands of women and families in Mumbai. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, along with provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, provides comprehensive legal protection for victims of domestic abuse. Our experienced domestic violence lawyers understand the urgency and sensitivity of these cases, providing immediate legal relief, protection orders, and long-term safety solutions. We ensure your safety while protecting your rights to residence, maintenance, and custody of children.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence Under Indian Law?
Physical Violence
Direct Physical Harm:
Hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking
Pushing, shoving, or throwing objects
Burning, cutting, or causing bodily injury
Use of weapons or dangerous objects
Physical Threats and Intimidation:
Threatening physical harm or violence
Destroying personal property or belongings
Restraining or confining against will
Preventing access to medical care or treatment
Sexual Violence:
Forced sexual acts or marital rape
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Mental Harassment:
Verbal abuse, humiliation, and insults
Constant criticism and demeaning behavior
Threats of divorce or abandonment
Isolation from family and friends
Emotional Manipulation:
Controlling behavior and monitoring activities
Withholding affection and emotional support
Gaslighting and psychological manipulation
Threats of self-harm or suicide
Digital and Cyber Abuse:
Spying on online activities or messages
Sharing private photos or information without consent
Cyberbullying and online threats
Economic Abuse
Financial Control:
Restricting access to bank accounts and savings
Hiding family income or controlling household assets
Preventing spouse from pursuing employment or education
Forcing loans, debts, or financial obligations
Property Rights Violation:
Denying access to the matrimonial home
Selling or transferring assets without consent
Blocking inheritance or property rights
Forcing property transfers under coercion
Verbal and Social Abuse
Verbal Harassment:
Use of abusive language and profanity
Threats, intimidation, or coercion
Public shaming or deliberate humiliation
Character assassination or defamation
Social Isolation:
Restricting contact with family and friends
Blocking participation in social gatherings
Controlling communication channels (phone, email, etc.)
Monitoring or stalking activities
Immediate Steps to Take if You're Facing Domestic Violence
If you are in danger or experiencing abuse, your safety is the priority. The steps below are an urgent,
practical checklist to protect yourself and your children, preserve evidence, and access legal help
in Mumbai. For life-threatening emergencies call local police immediately.
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
Move to a safe place (trusted friend/relative’s home, shelter, or a police station) away from the abuser.
Call emergency services if you or your child are at immediate risk (police helpline: 100 in India).
Seek immediate medical attention for injuries and preserve medical records as evidence.
Keep a charged phone and a small emergency kit (IDs, essential cash, medicines).
2. Preserve Evidence & Document Abuse
Photograph injuries, damaged belongings, and unsafe locations as soon as possible.
Save threatening messages, emails, call logs and social media content (screenshots + originals).
Collect witness names and contact details (neighbours, relatives, or friends who observed incidents).
Get medical certificates and police reports (FIR) when filing complaints — these strengthen legal claims.
3. Secure Important Documents
Carry originals or copies of IDs, marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, school records, and bank/passport documents.
If leaving home temporarily, store digital copies in a secure cloud folder accessible to a trusted contact.
If the situation is urgent, call the police or women's helpline immediately. When safe, contact a family lawyer to discuss protection orders (under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act) and next legal steps.
1. File Police Complaint & Obtain FIR
Report incidents to the local police and request an FIR for recorded evidence and investigation.
Keep copies of the FIR and any police receipts or case numbers.
2. Seek Protection Orders & Legal Relief
Apply for protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act (restraining / protection / monetary relief).
Ask your lawyer about interim maintenance, custody safeguards, and residence orders.
Courts can provide emergency interim relief — don’t delay seeking legal representation.
3. Preserve Financial & Digital Records
Collect bank statements, transaction proofs, loans, and other financial documents if economic abuse is suspected.
Secure digital accounts (email, social media) and change passwords; keep records of login issues or unauthorised access.
Legal proceedings are time-sensitive. A qualified Mumbai family lawyer can guide you through filing petitions, applying for emergency relief, and drafting witness affidavits.
1. Access Support Services
Reach out to local NGOs, women's helplines, shelters and crisis centres for immediate support and temporary accommodation.
Use counselling services for emotional and psychological recovery (many NGOs offer pro bono help).
2. Plan Long-Term Safety & Legal Strategy
Work with your lawyer to prepare court petitions for custody, maintenance, and protection as appropriate.
Create a long-term safety plan for you and your children (relocation, schooling, financial arrangements).
3. Keep Track of Progress
Maintain a dated log of all incidents, medical visits, police interactions and legal filings.
Share case updates with a trusted contact who can assist in emergencies.
If you need immediate assistance, call local emergency services. For legal counsel, choose a lawyer experienced in Mumbai family and domestic violence matters to ensure tailored protection and relief.
Types of Protection Orders Available in Mumbai
Protection Orders
Restraining & No-Contact Orders:
Court orders that prohibit an abuser from committing further acts of domestic violence.
Limits on approaching, contacting, or communicating with the victim (phone, social media, in person).
Prevention of entry to a victim’s workplace, child’s school, or other safe spaces.
Immediate interim restraints available in emergency situations.
Monetary & Compensation Orders:
Orders for interim maintenance or monetary relief to cover living and medical expenses.
Compensation for injuries, loss or damage caused by violent acts.
Prohibitory & Conduct Conditions:
Directions to stop harassment, stalking, or disclosure of intimate material.
Conditions for supervised contact where children are involved, ensuring safety during access.
Residence & Home Protection Orders
Right to Matrimonial Home:
Orders granting exclusive or shared possession of the matrimonial home to the victim.
Prevents forcible eviction or dispossession without court permission.
Assures access to essential utilities and basic household amenities.
Alternative Accommodation & Interim Shelter:
Court-directed temporary housing or assistance to relocate for safety.
Confidential address protection and help securing rental accommodations when needed.
Coordination with shelters and NGOs for immediate sanctuary.
Shared Household Rights & Enforcement:
Orders that clarify rights of occupation, possessions, and custody-related residence needs.
Mechanisms for enforcement and police assistance if orders are violated.
Monetary Relief Orders
Maintenance and Support:
Monthly maintenance for victim and children
Medical expenses and healthcare costs
Compensation for loss of earnings
Compensation Orders:
Compensation for physical and mental trauma
Reimbursement for medical treatment costs
Compensation for property damage or loss
Economic Relief:
Restoration of personal property and belongings
Access to bank accounts and financial assets
Custody and Visitation Orders
Child Protection Orders:
Temporary custody of children to victim
Protection from abduction or unauthorized removal
Supervised visitation arrangements if necessary
Safety-Focused Custody:
Custody arrangements prioritizing child safety
Neutral location exchanges and supervised visits
Protection orders covering children's safety
Educational Continuity:
Orders ensuring children's school attendance
Protection from educational disruption
Access to school records and activities
Note: Protection orders under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and related provisions can be issued as interim emergency relief. For case-specific advice in Mumbai, consult a qualified family or domestic violence lawyer to file petitions and secure urgent protection.
Mumbai Courts and Support Resources
Family Courts in Mumbai
Bandra Family Court
Address: Hill Road, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051
Specialisation: High-profile custody and domestic violence matters
Features: Dedicated women’s help desk & counselling referrals
Mumbai City Family Court
Address: Near Churchgate Station, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
Specialisation: Complex financial disputes and international family cases
Features: Mediation cells and priority listing for urgent relief
Features: Community outreach & family counselling coordination
Police Stations & Helplines
Emergency & National Hotlines
Police (Emergency): 100
Women’s Helpline: 1091 (state-wide assistance)
Domestic Violence Helpline: 181
Child Helpline: 1098
Specialised Police Units
Women’s Police Stations in major zones for gender-sensitive handling
Domestic Violence Cells at select local stations — support for FIR & immediate protection
Cyber Crime Units: reporting digital abuse and non-consensual online disclosure
How to report
File an FIR at the nearest station; request a copy and case number for records
Contact the local Women’s Help Desk for expedited support and liaison
Support Organisations & Services
Government & Legal Aid
Mumbai District Legal Services Authority — free legal aid & lawyer panel
State Women’s Commission — complaint redressal and policy support
Social Welfare Department schemes — financial assistance & rehabilitation
NGO & Community Help
Shelter homes and safe houses offering temporary accommodation
Counselling services, trauma-informed therapists and child psychologists
Victim support networks assisting with documentation and case preparations
Practical Assistance
Hotline referral services for emergency relocation and medical care
Organisations providing vocational training and economic reintegration
Resources for survivors: support groups, legal clinics and helpline directories
Note: If you or someone you know needs urgent help in Mumbai, contact emergency services first. For legal support,
approach the Mumbai District Legal Services Authority or a qualified family lawyer who handles domestic violence matters.
Required Documentation for Domestic Violence Cases
Personal & Identity Documents
Identity & Relationship Proof
Marriage certificate, wedding photographs and joint household proofs
Government IDs (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID) for victim and alleged abuser
Children’s birth certificates, school records and guardianship papers (if applicable)
Address proofs and utility bills linking parties to the residence
Communication Records
Saved text messages, WhatsApp chats, emails and call logs showing threats or harassment
Social media posts/screenshots used to intimidate or defame
Witness contact details for people who observed incidents
Evidence of Abuse
Medical & Forensic Proof
Medical certificates, hospital reports and prescriptions documenting injuries
Photographs of injuries, damaged property or unsafe environments (dated if possible)
Psychological assessment reports or counselling notes when available
Forensic reports (where applicable) and lab test outcomes
Official Records
Copies of police complaints, FIRs and NCRs with case numbers
Any protection orders, interim relief orders or prior court records
Receipts for medical or repair expenses linked to the abuse
Legal & Court Documents
Applications & Affidavits
Draft petition or application under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA)
Affidavit detailing incidents with dates, witnesses and sequence of events
List of reliefs sought (protection, residence, maintenance, compensation)
Supporting annexures: medical records, photos, financial proofs
Previous Proceedings & Legal History
Copies of prior family court orders, pendente lite orders or maintenance directives
Legal notices exchanged, settlement agreements or police documents
Contact details of representing lawyers and NGO support letters (if any)
Tip: Maintain both original and scanned copies of documents; upload encrypted backups to a secure cloud folder accessible only to a trusted contact. For tailored advice on evidence collection and filing in Mumbai courts, consult an experienced domestic violence attorney.
Why Choose Our Domestic Violence Specialists?
Specialized Expertise
Over 25 years exclusively in domestic violence and protection law
Trauma-informed representation tailored to survivors’ needs
Strong understanding of psychological healing and family dynamics
Up-to-date expertise in latest Indian legal reforms
Immediate Response
Round-the-clock emergency legal support in Mumbai
Same-day filing of protection order applications
Fast-tracked coordination with police and shelter homes
Assistance with emergency housing and safety planning
Comprehensive Support
End-to-end legal guidance from petition to enforcement
Coordination with NGOs, counsellors, and government support services
Court representation for protection, residence and maintenance orders
Long-term monitoring and safety planning for survivors
Confidential & Safe
Strict privacy policies and secure client communication
Anonymous consultations and discreet case handling
Identity protection and safe meeting arrangements
Respectful, survivor-focused advocacy at every step
Your Safety Cannot Wait — Take Action Now
If you are confronting domestic abuse in Mumbai, immediate steps can make a lasting difference.
Our experienced domestic violence lawyers provide discreet, urgent legal help — from emergency protection orders
to interim maintenance and child safety measures. Reach out now for a confidential case review and clear next steps.
Emergency? Dial the numbers above now. If you cannot call safely, reach out via a trusted contact or local shelter.
Do not suffer in silence. Domestic violence is a criminal offence and you have the right to protection, safety, and dignity.
Our Mumbai-based legal team specialises in urgent relief: protection orders, emergency housing, and interim maintenance.
Contact a qualified lawyer or an accredited support organisation immediately — your safety matters.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. Domestic violence cases are fact-specific; laws and procedures change — consult an experienced Mumbai family lawyer for personalised guidance.
